Lukacs' Theory of Reification

Abstract

The theory of reification is an indispensable part of the dialectical theory of society. The first large scale formulation of this theory was presented by Georg Lukács in 1923, in History and Class Consciousness. The concept of reification [Verdinglichung] came to Lukács through several channels. He presents us with a Marxian definition. Reification [res: thing: das Ding] refers to the phenomenon (and the resulting phenomena) of a “definite social relation between men” appearing [emerging and seeming] in the form of a “relation between things”. It could be pointed out that Lukács also uses reification as a synonym for alienation [Entfremdung], rationalization, atomization and deactivization.